COVID-19 impacting your business?

[+ Just966]

I cancelled my appointment with a well-reviewed and respected member of this forum. He seldom came to my city and I’ve been looking forward to meeting him for a long time. But the week of my appointment, things began escalating with this coronavirus. I told him I trusted him, but I did not trust the clients he had met prior to our booked meeting.

 

And it is really not even a matter of trust as he could have been in contact with the virus in a number of different ways and be asymptomatic and pass it on without realizing at all.

[+ bashful]

I cancelled my appointment with a well-reviewed and respected member of this forum. He seldom came to my city and I’ve been looking forward to meeting him for a long time. But the week of my appointment, things began escalating with this coronavirus. I told him I trusted him, but I did not trust the clients he had met prior to our booked meeting.

 

Not only clients he met prior. There are those he encountered just living his life in his home town, plus people at the airport, or on the plane when he traveled, hotel staff, etc..

 

Edit. @Just966 , just saw you said basically the same thing.

[+ Just966]

Not only clients he met prior. There are those he encountered just living his life in his home town, plus people at the airport, or on the plane when he traveled, hotel staff, etc..

 

Edit. @Just966 , just saw you said basically the same thing.

 

And can't be stressed enough @bashful !

[Monarchy79]

I'm not worried about this hysteria. But for those that see biz slowing let this be a lesson and diversify your work. Buy property, day trade, get a day job or open a biz. Solely relying on slinging dick and selling ass can only go so far and for so long. Shit happens uncalled for virus hysteria happens, economic downturn happens. Be ready and be smart.

 

Hugs,

Greg

Wise advice to just about everyone.

I’m always paranoid about employment, and have always maintained various skills and streams of income.

[sbguy]

Wherever you’re all at, I wish you all the best and that you all can stay safe and healthy. Shit is gonna get really crazy in the next two weeks. CA has a shelter in place order and all non-essential businesses are closed. Many people here in the San Francisco Bay Area act like it’s a snow day or vacation and are mobbing the parks or beaches and are not taking this seriously.

[marylander1940]

Business as usual. If anything it will be an indirect impact with clients being more conservative with their spending with stock markets taking a major hit right now.

 

If you have a severely compromised immune system, perhaps you should be worried.

 

Otherwise, no. As VP said, it's business as usual.

 

I had a FL based client cancel on me with this concern. As many of you know I tour the US and Canada only. This has been my only occurrence thus far. My travels, inquiries, and messages all seem to be “business as usual” currently.

 

According to what I've been told by several escorts folks started getting worried and cutting on hiring around March 10th to 15th, definitively by March 20th everybody was afraid.

 

Don’t see clientele reduction yet however it’s still pretty early. In New York City this week we’ve unfortunately heard the start of a few cases but we shouldn’t panic. We have to continue to live life and increase good habits such as washing hands and avoiding touching our face and if things really do go bad I need one of y'all nice gents on here to take me in and we can keep each other company until the coast is clear

 

kissing, cuddling, etc. are more intimate then touching, etc.

 

I'm sure you'll have some proposals from gentlemen who would love to have you as a covid-19 free houseboy for a couple of months.

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

According to what I've been told by several escorts folks started getting worried and cutting on hiring around March 10th to 15th, definitively by March 20th everybody was afraid.

 

I think a lot of guys are still taking this day-by-day. Just look at how many guys are still meeting up off Grindr.

 

For me, I've stepped back and just moved everything forward into the summer. There's no use right now in poking the bear. A major part of what I do means being tip-top and healthy to keep my clients tip-top and healthy.

 

Thankfully, there remain multiple creative ways to blow a load without direct contact

[marylander1940]

I'm not worried about this hysteria. But for those that see biz slowing let this be a lesson and diversify your work. Buy property, day trade, get a day job or open a biz. Solely relying on slinging dick and selling ass can only go so far and for so long. Shit happens uncalled for virus hysteria happens, economic downturn happens. Be ready and be smart.

 

Hugs,

Greg

 

Those are the exact words a friend of mine said in the 80's, fortunately he's still with us because he happened to be in a monogamous relationship then and later in life he took the obvious measures to keep himself healthy.

 

I've notices many folks who posted in late February and early March no concern about coronavirus, I'm glad they changed their minds.

[jjkrkwood]

I was in Florida when the pandemic first began making headlines. I can't really remember the exact timing, but it was right around March 3rd when they announced the first Florida case. The Superbowl was February 2nd. Hotels remained sold out and at high season rates up until the first case was reported.

 

Soon as the first case was reported, it was like hurricane Irma had reformed and started making a way back. However I noticed more guys started coming out to play. And it was looking good up until things started closing and getting cancelled.

 

At this point, it's not the corona virus affecting business, it's the governmental shutting down of the economy and related events that's affecting it. (where have we seen this before?) And the fear coming along with it both financial and health wise.

 

That said there's still people coming out to play, but much much less. I expect 10 years from now, the high school history books will have a whole chapter about how this situation should have not created the mess that its doing.

 

Until then, I just have to ride it out. I can't quit or go on COVID safe mode because I just had my own health and financial emergencies in February and March. Sex workers shouldn't panic because our biz is akin to liquor and drugs (not necessarily with the same side effects). Sex, liquor and drugs will always weather any crisis because those are the things people are going to rely on to get thru hard times.

 

It may be wise to step back though regardless if you don't need to take the risk or have the rainy day stash. But it's not going to apply to all.

 

Even if you are not ill, do you not think you can BECOME ill and infect clients OR be with an infected client and carry the virus to others? Noone knows exactly yet how the virus is transmitted or travels. I think its extremely selfish and irresponsible of you to continue high risk practices in this time of Quarantine. Any client that might want to see you is also suspect and shouldnt be trusted. They obviously have no fear and are therefore also in a high risk group of contraction. We ALL have our hardships but are making sacrifices. It does not say much of your moral character if you continue NOT to do so......

[down_to_business]

Infected people without symptoms might be driving the spread of coronavirus more than we realized.

 

https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/14/health/coronavirus-asymptomatic-spread/index.html

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

The most interesting/entertaining part of this whole situation is the influx of messages from guys who are looking for crisis discounts.

[marylander1940]

The most interesting/entertaining part of this whole situation is the influx of messages from guys who are looking for crisis discounts.

 

They should be offering extra money for escorts to take chances of getting infected and spreading it after!

[Jarrod_Uncut]

Even if you are not ill, do you not think you can BECOME ill and infect clients OR be with an infected client and carry the virus to others? No one knows exactly yet how the virus is transmittdd or travels. I think its extremely selfish and irresponsible of you to continue high risk practices in this time of Quarantine. Any client that might want to see you is also suspect and shouldnt be trusted. They obviously have no fear and are therefore also in a high risk group of contraction. We ALL have our hardships but are making sacrifices. It does not say much of your moral character if you continue NOT to do so......

 

Truth of the matter is, there always have and always will be diseases and viruses manifesting themselves, as this list from 2003 shows (which was around the height of the gay hookup and escort sites debuting such as rentboy, adam4adam and men4rent:

 

 

 

It’s nothing new. I don’t think now is the time to point the finger at anyone, who is doing what they can to get thru this. Part of the reason I came into this profession, is because I didn’t have to be concerned with being let go like other jobs I’ve had in the past. And as we can see now, a lot of people have been let go thru no doing of their own.

 

I know a lot of people going thru tough times, but when those unemployment checks come out, lot of people will be handling their bills. And not everybody is out of work. People are also still going to stores to buy essentials. Think about it: how much of a risk am I posing to see 2 or 3 clients a week, than to go to a store and cross a couple dozen people, who are also crossing a couple dozen people, who are also crossing a couple dozen people? After all, new research seems to point that one can spread it by talking or just coughing and the virus stays in the air for 6 minutes:

 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.cnn.com/cnn/2020/04/02/health/aerosol-coronavirus-spread-white-house-letter/index.html

 

 

In my case, I can’t allow myself get down to $0. I have 2 vehicles that regularly need maintenance, and I can’t allow my insurance to lapse. That’s illegal. And I don’t live walking distance to anything nor are their buses/public transportation in the town I’m in an hour outside of Kansas City. I also am not living in my own place, so to stay in and allow myself to be depleted financially would essentially put a strain (no pun intended) on my housemates, because then I’d be bugging them for money in the process.

 

I know the government is doing what they can now, but it’s not going to be a permanent solution. At some point, it’s going to have to give.

 

I also am not being medically defiant either and am no stranger to a hospital bed: I have asthma, and I spent 5 days in the hospital earlier this month due to non-COVID related issues. I stayed Inside in a room for 5 days, and when I finished my treatment, I left. So I’ve already been thru it. I know what it’s like to have respiratory issues. If someone I meet contracts COVID, they could have likely got it from elsewhere.

Edited April 3, 2020 by Jarrod_Uncut

[jjkrkwood]

Truth of the matter is, there always have and always will be diseases and viruses manifesting themselves, as this list from 2003 shows (which was around the height of the gay hookup and escort sites debuting such as rentboy and men4rent:

 

 

 

It’s nothing new. I don’t think now is the time to point the finger at anyone who is doing what they can to get thru this. Part of the reason I came into this profession is because I didn’t have to be concerned with being laid off or fired like other jobs I’ve had in the past. And as we can see now, a lot of people have been let go thru no doing of their own.

 

I know a lot of people going thru tough times, but when those unemployment checks come out, lot of people will be handling their bills. And not everybody is out of work. People are also still going to stores to buy essentials. Think about it: how much of a risk am I posing to see 2 or 3 clients a week, than to go to a store and cross a couple dozen people, who are also crossing a couple dozen people, who are also crossing a couple dozen people? After all, new research seems to point that one can spread it by talking or just coughing and the virus stays in the air for 6 minutes:

 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.cnn.com/cnn/2020/04/02/health/aerosol-coronavirus-spread-white-house-letter/index.html

 

 

In my case, I can’t allow myself get down to $0. I have 2 vehicles that regularly need maintenance, and I can’t allow my insurance to lapse. That’s illegal. And I don’t live walking distance to anything nor are their buses/public transportation in the town I’m in an hour outside of Kansas City. I also am not living in my own place, so to stay inside and allow myself to be depleted financially would essentially put a strain (no pun intended) on my housemates because then I’d be bugging them for money in the process.

 

I know the government is doing what they can now, but it’s not going to be a permanent solution. At some point, it’s going to have to give.

 

I also am not being medically defiant either and am no stranger to a hospital bed: I have asthma, and I spent 5 days in the hospital earlier this month due to non-COVID related issues. I stayed Inside in a room for 5 days, and when I finished my treatment, I left. So I’ve already been thru it. I know what it’s like to have respiratory issues. If someone I meet contracts COVID, they could have likely got it from elsewhere.

That's a simplistic and totally naïve EXCUSE, and I don't buy it.... You have no care or compassion for others. It seems that this is ONLY about you ? With over 200,000 projected deaths in the US, you are shameful, and I hope someone reports you, sorry !

[Jarrod_Uncut]

That's a simplistic and totally naïve EXCUSE, and I don't buy it.... You have no care or compassion for others. It seems that this is ONLY about you ? With over 200,000 projected deaths in the US, you are shameful, and I hope someone reports you, sorry !

 

So what you’re saying is: someone should report and have Twitter, Grindr, Growlr, Scruff, Adam, Tinder, RentMen, RentMasseur and other related sites reported and shutdown as well, since they are facilitating the meeting of 2 gay men in an indoor environment?

[MrMattBig]

Truth of the matter is, there always have and always will be diseases and viruses manifesting themselves, as this list from 2003 shows (which was around the height of the gay hookup and escort sites debuting such as rentboy, adam4adam and men4rent:

 

 

 

It’s nothing new. I don’t think now is the time to point the finger at anyone, who is doing what they can to get thru this. Part of the reason I came into this profession, is because I didn’t have to be concerned with being let go like other jobs I’ve had in the past. And as we can see now, a lot of people have been let go thru no doing of their own.

 

I know a lot of people going thru tough times, but when those unemployment checks come out, lot of people will be handling their bills. And not everybody is out of work. People are also still going to stores to buy essentials. Think about it: how much of a risk am I posing to see 2 or 3 clients a week, than to go to a store and cross a couple dozen people, who are also crossing a couple dozen people, who are also crossing a couple dozen people? After all, new research seems to point that one can spread it by talking or just coughing and the virus stays in the air for 6 minutes:

 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.cnn.com/cnn/2020/04/02/health/aerosol-coronavirus-spread-white-house-letter/index.html

 

 

In my case, I can’t allow myself get down to $0. I have 2 vehicles that regularly need maintenance, and I can’t allow my insurance to lapse. That’s illegal. And I don’t live walking distance to anything nor are their buses/public transportation in the town I’m in an hour outside of Kansas City. I also am not living in my own place, so to stay in and allow myself to be depleted financially would essentially put a strain (no pun intended) on my housemates, because then I’d be bugging them for money in the process.

 

I know the government is doing what they can now, but it’s not going to be a permanent solution. At some point, it’s going to have to give.

 

I also am not being medically defiant either and am no stranger to a hospital bed: I have asthma, and I spent 5 days in the hospital earlier this month due to non-COVID related issues. I stayed Inside in a room for 5 days, and when I finished my treatment, I left. So I’ve already been thru it. I know what it’s like to have respiratory issues. If someone I meet contracts COVID, they could have likely got it from elsewhere.

That's a simplistic and totally naïve EXCUSE, and I don't buy it.... You have no care or compassion for others. It seems that this is ONLY about you ? With over 200,000 projected deaths in the US, you are shameful, and I hope someone reports you, sorry !

 

I made a case in another thread about a scenario of two people hooking up and responsibly quarantining both before and after, and having a mature conversation about accepting the constant risk and consequences of making the other I'll and potentially those close around them. One thing I hope to be able to practice more in the future as a career of advising escorts on PR issues and client interactions, because the thing is this:

 

After having such a controversial history on this forum, is it really the best practice to come back on here and announce, to summarize, "hey I am still seeing clients and won't stop doing so because I need to, even during this health crisis where we are advised to stay and home and limit interactions with others, for our own safety and theirs"?

 

We can debate forever the decision to actually do so, like I have said before, your risks are your risks, but they should be informed and take into the account the morality of the impact of those around you. But from a PR aspect this is a shitty decision to announce it on here.

[Jarrod_Uncut]

I made a case in another thread about a scenario of two people hooking up and responsibly quarantining both before and after, and having a mature conversation about accepting the constant risk and consequences of making the other I'll and potentially those close around them. One thing I hope to be able to practice more in the future as a career of advising escorts on PR issues and client interactions, because the thing is this:

 

After having such a controversial history on this forum, is it really the best practice to come back on here and announce, to summarize, "hey I am still seeing clients and won't stop doing so because I need to, even during this health crisis where we are advised to stay and home and limit interactions with others, for our own safety and theirs"?

 

We can debate forever the decision to actually do so, like I have said before, your risks are your risks, but they should be informed and take into the account the morality of the impact of those around you. But from a PR aspect this is a shitty decision to announce it on here.

 

Based on the title of the thread: “Is Coronavirus impacting your business”, it would only be expected to get varied replies. If everyone said, “I’m quitting and not seeing anyone”, it would be no point in having the thread on going.

 

I gave a pretty concise narrative of my experience and cited other articles as well. All I’m saying is, the mass hysteria on-going doesn’t erase what’s already been happening all along. Awhile back, before this outbreak even surfaced, I posted on social media about how I carry sanitizing wipes, sprays and bleach when I travel. I had gotten tired of getting sick almost everytime I traveled and stayed in a hotel.

 

Matter of fact, I been traveling with a thermometer for years now...and if I even feel like I’m coming down with something, I won’t hesitate to check my temperature. Just did it today in fact:

 

Edited April 3, 2020 by Jarrod_Uncut

[MrMattBig]

Based on the title of the thread: “Is Coronavirus impacting your business”, it would only be expected to get varied replies. If everyone said, “I’m quitting and not seeing anyone”, it would be no point in having the thread on going.

 

I gave a pretty concise narrative of my experience and cited other articles as well. All I’m saying is, the mass hysteria on-going doesn’t erase what’s already been happening all along. Awhile back, before this outbreak even surfaced, I posted on social media about how I carry sanitizing wipes, sprays and bleach when I travel. I had gotten tired of getting sick almost everytime I traveled and stayed in a hotel.

It's all about tone. Your tone, despite the complete validation of your sanitary precautions and already constant risks in grocery stores, paints the picture of slight desperation of continuing on because you have to. That's obviously the reality, and quite frankly the reality for myself as well and other sex workers who do not have regular civilian jobs that they can continue with. But the verbalizing of that won't sit well with most. One would argue go digital and offer digital content. I myself am self conscious on cam/video, and don't have a following on those platforms or on social media to make that really viable. So what did I do? I have had a few Skype shows with those that have asked that I have already done before and felt comfortable doing so.

And then I posted a travel post on here, advertising special rates for prepaying a meeting in the future, as well as put it on my website. Admittedly, only regulars really have responded to that. But I have covered my expenses this month by doing all that.

Without a shred of negative ire.

[Jarrod_Uncut]

It's all about tone. Your tone, despite the complete validation of your sanitary precautions and already constant risks in grocery stores, paints the picture of slight desperation of continuing on because you have to. That's obviously the reality, and quite frankly the reality for myself as well and other sex workers who do not have regular civilian jobs that they can continue with. But the verbalizing of that won't sit well with most. One would argue go digital and offer digital content. I myself am self conscious on cam/video, and don't have a following on those platforms or on social media to make that really viable. So what did I do? I have had a few Skype shows with those that have asked that I have already done before and felt comfortable doing so.

And then I posted a travel post on here, advertising special rates for prepaying a meeting in the future, as well as put it on my website. Admittedly, only regulars really have responded to that. But I have covered my expenses this month by doing all that.

Without a shred of negative ire.

 

Well that’s fine. You can do what you choose to do. I have a JFF and Onlyfans platform as well. But I generally use those as promotionals and perks to clients I’ve already met. However as I’ve explained, I don’t have privacy to do an online Skype show when I’m home.

 

I really don’t know what tone you refer to. It’s the reality of the situation. If that tone doesn’t digest well with others, I can’t be responsible for that. People have to face the reality that it’s simply not feasible to expect everyone to stay in and vegetate and do nothing. I’ve already been consoling friends on FB who have posted about become suicidal. I don’t think much anyone can say will* appease everyone.

 

It’s not selfish when people are calling me up and asking to meet. It’s called 2 consenting adults. Most of the restrictions currently in place are for groups of 10 or more people. And state by state it varies.

Edited April 4, 2020 by Jarrod_Uncut

[jjkrkwood]

This quarantine thing is not a choice or an option, it is a mandate which the OP refuses to acknowledge or obey. The OP thinks by changing his screen name and re-appearing here as if he doesn't bring old baggage with him, that we will forget his controversial past and give him a pass. Everyone is struggling to pay their expenses and survive, but they also onsider their safety and the safety of others. Unfortunately the OP here is NOT one of those. My outrage is that the OP can infect others, and will also be taking their money in doing so.

[Jarrod_Uncut]

This quarantine thing is not a choice or an option, it is a mandate which the OP refuses to acknowledge or obey. The OP thinks by changing his screen name and re-appearing here as if he doesn't bring old baggage with him, that we will forget his controversial past and give him a pass. Everyone is struggling to pay their expenses and survive, but they also onsider their safety and the safety of others. Unfortunately the OP here is NOT one of those. My outrage is that the OP can infect others, and will also be taking their money in doing so.

 

When have you last been outside? As I mentioned, I carry a thermometer along with various sanitizing products. So I'm doing my part in what I can. And there are no restrictions on meeting someone. I went to the store today and seen people walking in groups. I'm 1 person. The restrictions in place are for large group gatherings. All the stuff about girlfriend and boyfriends doing dates online is out of choice, not out of law. Anything suggesting it is, are merely guidelines for those who have actually been exposed or diagnosed with the illness.

 

I'll reiterate: what we're going thru now is no different than what we've gone thru back in 2003 and all centuries beyond that. Like I said, others can become affected regardless of if they meet me or not.

[Jarrod_Uncut]

As soon as rentmen offered the freeze membership and Covid safe mode last Friday I immediately set my profile to freeze until the situation gets better. It felt like it was the right thing to do plus no one is really hiring now anyways

 

I was actually gonna take my ad down last month but my rentmen is setup to take reoccurring payments so it took my money before I remembered to turn it off so thankfully with the freeze mode the remaining days will transfer for when when I return.

 

I took off a year from rentmen and returned November 2019 so I’m now kicking myself for taking that year off and thinking of the extra money I could have had. I did save as much as I could for the few months I was back on rentmen so I’m ok financially for a couple months thankfully, but I do feel for those escorts and people in general who are living paycheck to paycheck.

 

I can understand if someone is operating in a high risk location like New Orleans or New York with lots of cases, it's likely going to crash the market, so to speak. But there is still demand in smaller markets.

 

In my case, because I had already lost 10 days of availability in February and March, I'm not in a position to turn off. That in itself left me in a difficult predicament for a whole week after that as well. Most of the people out of work right now are because their employer either let them go or whatever business within the mall closed down.

 

Truth of the matter is, some people's need to make ends meet is a matter of life and death in itself. We're hearing a lot about the corona virus casualties, but I have a feeling afterwards there's going to surface the amount of people who've taken their own lives.

 

I think where people got me wrong is where I said don't panic and that our business is resilient. Perhaps coming off as, "go out there and see clients, like me". But that's not what I was alluding to. I was saying it will bounce back, but in the meantime I have to do what I have to do regardless, even if that simply means just taking 1 or 2 clients per week so I don't end up stranded in bum fuck Missouri, up a creek and without a paddle.

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

Unless we are willing to donate to a fund to support escorts who need help, let's just move on from this.

 

Either side isn't seeing eye-to-eye and probably won't.

 

If you're not stepping up to help, you're certainly not doing any good putting a scarlet letter on him.

[CuriousByNature]

Unless we are willing to donate to a fund to support escorts who need help, let's just move on from this.

 

Either side isn't seeing eye-to-eye and probably won't.

 

If you're not stepping up to help, you're certainly not doing any good putting a scarlet letter on him.

 

Which is why I find it so disheartening when I read comments made about benefiting from potential discounted rates and stuff like that.

 

It also makes me more aware that social distancing, which I do believe is necessary, is still a luxury that not everyone can afford. I think of other parts of the world as well, where it is a necessity to go out every day to get food and water. Social distancing, as necessary as it is, just isnt a viable option for everyone. What bothers me is when people who can afford to stay home and take the experts' advice choose not to.

[Jarrod_Uncut]

Unless we are willing to donate to a fund to support escorts who need help, let's just move on from this.

 

Either side isn't seeing eye-to-eye and probably won't.

 

If you're not stepping up to help, you're certainly not doing any good putting a scarlet letter on him.

 

Bravo ?? . And now, for 1 of my favorite verses in the book (though it didn’t merely refer to physical ailments, but spiritual renewal):

 

 

 

Which is why I find it so disheartening when I read comments made about benefiting from potential discounted rates and stuff. What bothers me is when people who can afford to stay home and take the experts' advice choose not to.

 

Exactly. And if I lived in a place like this, I’d be MORE than happy to stay inside for as long as I feel ?